A Little Harmless Pleasure: A Harmless World Novel

The Original Harmless Five #2

by Melissa Schroeder

She's a woman at the crossroads of her life.

Cynthia Myers knows she's being dramatic, but her life is kind of a mess. She dumped her fiance and her father disowned her. Still, she has never been so happy in her life. Or, at least she thinks she is. That is, until that ex-fiance gets married and introduces her to a man who turns her world upside down.

He's given up on love.

Chris Dupree's last relationship crashed and burned over a year ago. It left him scarred and wary, unable to even think of dating. That is, until he comes face to face with the sweetest Georgia magnolia he has ever met. A little too much champagne, and a whole lotta flirting, lead to a night of neither of them will ever forget.

A chance for a new life.

A surprise inheritance has Cynthia making her way to Hawaii and to the man who changed her life. They seem to pick up right where they left off, but soon it's apparent that Chris needs something more. Losing him is out of the question, but can she give him what he needs while being true to her new self?

» The following book Lots of sex, of course; propositions from a drunken woman, hot phone sex, southern accents, Hawaiian scenery, and OH MY, a hero who will send tingles all the way to your toes, along with other various body parts. A glass of ice-cold water for refreshment is recommended while reading.

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Romance, Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Menage

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder has had almost 90 short stories, novellas, and novels published in the last 15 years.

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Reviews

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Myers comes from a wealthy southern family and has alway done what was expected of her. The only value she has to her father is that of making a good marriage. She defies her father by attending her ex-finacee's wedding. She gets drunk and ends up going to a hotel room with Chris Dupree, Max's friend. The alcohol loosens her inhibition and she takes charge of the love making. This turns on Chris because he is a switch. He likes to submit but also likes to dominate at times. When Cris and Cynthia start their relationship Chris tells her that he goes both ways. He teaches Cynthia how to be in control and after being always controlled by her father she ends up loving it. When it comes to the time where she has to relinquish control she is not sure she can do it. When Cynthia finally agrees to be submissive, Chris asks his friend Evan, a Dom to join them.
The sex scenes where scorching. I loved how Cynthia finally became more self assured and confident. The BDSM is very light. There is some fun with handcuffs, some anal play, light spanking.
I can't wait for Evan's story to come out.

[Julie (jjmachshev) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My, my, my. May I just say, "What a delicious cover"? And the rest of "A Little Harmless Pleasure" is every bit as good. Melissa Schroeder hit a home run for me with this second book in her 'Harmless' series. But this book is certainly not for the sweet romance reader, although the romance is very sweet. This book is about a journey into submission and dominance and includes scenes of oral, anal, and vaginal sex with one, two, and three participants. There are also scenes of light bondage; and all of these things are described in very open and frank terms. Of course, that's one of the things I LOVED about this book, but for some readers let this be their warning!

Cynthia is a society Southern belle and has always followed the rules of her cold, but socially prominent family. When an argument over attending the wedding of her ex-fiance results in her father kicking her out of the house, the seeds of rebellion are sown and Cynthia's growth begins. At the wedding, she meets the best man whose looks and body make her hot and bothered. After imbibing a bit too much champagne, Cynthia goes for broke and has a scorcher of a one-night stand with the best man! Little does she know, THIS best man has no intention of stopping at one night.

Chris is a switch, liking to both dominate and submit in the bedroom; but switches aren't very well received in the BDSM community. He's immediately taken with Cynthia's gorgeous southern looks and charm and allows her to seduce him. Before the night is over, Chris has the feeling that Cynthia is also a switch without realizing it as well as, just maybe, the one woman he's been looking for.

"A Little Harmless Pleasure" will suck you in from the first page. Both Cynthia and Chris are people you WANT to know and come to care about. The inside views of caring dominance and submission are extremely well written and I especially appreciated the emphasis Schroeder placed on the emotional side of the relationship. Many times, writers emphasize the BDSM more than the feelings and I think that pushes some readers away...but this story is really about the feelings and emotions of both people. For them, BDSM is just what makes them happy and satisfied in the bedroom...BOTH of them.

So for erotica readers who like feelings and romance, this is a book for you. For those who like BDSM, this is a book for you. For those who like a lot of sex, this is a book for you. Do I really need to continue? This book has just about everything an erotica reader could want and done so very well to boot! Now, of course, I can't wait for the next chapter in the 'Harmless' series and only hope it stars May and Evan!

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it a bit more than book #1. I'm glad Cynthia found herself, and wasn't such a B.i.t.c.h. I didn't really emotionally invest in her or Chris, though. It seemed their entire relationship was based on sex, there wasn't much substance to the rest to justify their "love" for each other.

I also don't get why it took him to "share" her with his friend, for her to proclaim her love for him. I just don't get the connection. It didn't make a bad thing for me, I just didn't get it.

The sex was hot...at first. But then it became a little repetitive, with her taking the lead each time. I get why it was like that, but it seemed the same each time. It was hot, though.

You will need a fan and/or cold shower.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia and Chris remind me of butterflies emerging from their confined cocoons. I am loving my time rereading the Harmless series, excited with the small additions and other changes.

For Chris and Cynthia this journey is full of self awareness, strength, and growth. With all the heat of a learning D/s relationship mixed in. I can just imagine Cynthia's southern drawl and Chris' NOLA/Creole deep voice, sensual and shiver worth. I'm excited for the rest to come out to read again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little leery about reading this one because of Cynthia's role in book 1, A Little Harmless Sex. I know she had family issues that made her act the way she did but I was still a little irritated at her.

I'm glad I did read Pleasure though so Cynthia could find out who she is and so that Chris, who is delicious, gets his HEA too.

I loved reading about Cynthia journey through domination and learning that submitting doesn't mean you are giving up your pleasure.

[Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing wowed me but it was a good read. I guess I should call it a Little Harmless Read. Sorry, couldn't help myself.

[HeatherTX · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

An enjoyable read, but the ending seemed a bit rushed. I hope to get a glimpse of Cynthia and Chris's progress in the next installments.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in The Original Harmless series and it is Chris and Cynthia’s story. Cynthia has had a difficult time of it lately as she dumped her fiancé and her father disowned her but at least now she is living her best life away from her domineering father but while at her ex fiancé’s wedding she meets Chris who is handsome and sweet and that is when Cynthia shows another side of herself. Chris was left wary and had trust issues after his relationship fell apart and now dating was the very last thing on his mind but then everything changed when he went to a wedding and met Cynthia. When Chris and Cynthia met the attraction and chemistry is hot and intense and after having too much to drink they ended up having an explosive night together but with them both knowing that it was a one time thing and being wary of being in a relationship again they both end up walking away the next morning but they both find that they are unable to forget about each other so when they eventually meet again and the chemistry between them is still as strong as ever will they both take a chance of being together to see where it goes or are they still unable to move forward and miss out on something special, well you will just have to read this book to find out what the outcome will be for the. I love this book and Chris and Cynthia together is so hot that I thought that my IPAD would melt so make sure that you have a cold drink ready so that you can cool yourself down. I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will not be disappointed and I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Bernie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cynthia is a typical affluent raised southern belle, raised to marry and little else. Her parents are emotionally distant, father overbearing and the book opens with her getting ready to go to the wedding of her ex fiance and the woman he chose over her; despite her creating problems the pair are happy she is attending and the ladies are now friends.
Chris is black, has a secret obsession, middle class chef and restaurant owner, living in Hawaii..best man and is instantly drawn to Cynthia. Both act outside of their characters when a one night stand arises from a drunken decision, which extends and continues over into more sometime later.
Each are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones in regards to behaviours.
Cynthia discovers she has inherited more than her trust after her solicitor tells her that her father has tried to steal her assets in Hawaii and moves to the island.
Chris introduces her to the 'lifestyle' slowly and they make the perfect pairing, further extended when he wants to share her with his friend.
The Max and Anna friendship was too full, intruding into his marriage and with Cynthia. Chris and Evan, engaging in a threesome, though only one night seemed further intrusive as Cynthia, whilst willingly participating, was pushed into it to satisfy Chris's needs.
I found certain aspects did not really seem to fit as it was too contrived, but was good to see Cynthia develop her self esteem and stand up to her parents . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynthia lived her life on everyone else's terms because that's what was expected of her. The good southern belle should behave as such. Be seen, not heard. Look pretty. Don't make a bunch of noise, and definitely nothing scandalous. So when she decides to attend her ex fiancee's wedding, to the woman whom she's now good friends with...oh the shame she's brought onto the family name. She meets her ex's best friend Chris Dupree, Creole gentlemen originating from New Orleans that sets her body ablaze. Even more scandalous her family would definitely disapprove because his black. Chris ignites something inside Cynthia she didn't know existed and it excites and scares her, but he lives in Hawaii so it's just a one night thing. Well, fate aligns and Cynthia has her life thrown into the unexpected and finds herself in Hawaii. She and Chris explore the lifestyle he's lived for years, and the one that she didn't know she needed together and it's beautiful. Chris is a switch and Cynthia is everything he's dreamed of. The question is, she's enjoyed her time dominating, but after seeing she does have power, power over her life, over her decisions, and the power with the man she's falling for...can she submit? Chris and Cynthia are beautiful together. I love how he nurtures her, cares for her, and gives her all the power to make her own decisions after years of having that stripped away. I hope to see more of them in Evan and May's story as a big part of their coming together.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CealR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and am submitting an honest review.

I hadn't read the first book in this series (or it had been so long I couldn't remember it haha!) so I decided to take the opportunity to review this as a standalone, and I have to say, it held up well! Despite it being clear some of the characters had history, the conversations and introspections did a fantastic job of keeping the reader in the story I thought.

The story is one of two and a half parts I think. Girl discovers her back bone and breaks away from manipulative parent. Girl discovers her own passions. Girl discovers what it means to be in a passionate and trusting relationship with a genuinely good guy.

The interracial focus isn't actually as dominant as the title page promotion would suggest, which may be a bit of a shame, but it doesn't set out to be any great commentary on the state of society, so much as the meeting of two lost souls.

The BDSM aspects were ok, but the mfm was missing some prep discussions imo. So much potential there, but in thr end it felt a little hurried.

Having said all this, it's one of those stories you might have been able to hang out in for alot longer if the author had felt so inspired, so the bones and concepts were good, and the exploration of a domme in development was just fascinating.

All in all, I'd recommend if the topics are to your preference!

[ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Cynthia Myers is the quaint essential southern bell. She's been taught since childhood that girls fit into two categories, Madonna and Whore. Her father has bullied her in every way possible to keep her in line. She follows the rules set by her family to never speak of family business, to marry whom they approve and never have a mind of her own.

In an act of defiance she is kicked out, disinherited and left abandoned by not only her father, but her mother, brother and those she thought to be her friends. Her true friends come to the rescue and introduce her to the man of her dreams.

Chris is a switch and step by step he shows Cynthia how she was born to be a dominant and in this act she finally feels free. When she finally feels she's got her footing in her new life Chris asks her if she's ready to submit to him like he's done. He's ready to switch role from submissive to dominant, but Cynthia's not.

I loved the story of how evil her parents are and to what lengths they are willing to go. I also love the story of Cynthia coming into her own. This book was a little short and some parts of the book seem rushed or feel skimmed over, but all in all I enjoyed reading this book.

[Catlou · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sexy tale with a light touch of BDSM. Chris is a Switch whose had a bad experience with his last partner so he’s taking a break from the lifestyle. Cynthia’s been raised to always be prim and proper and always do what her family deems right and best for them. When she finally breaks the bonds of obligation her father has always imposed on her, she meets Chris for a night of passion like she’s never experienced before. It sets her on a path to a new life which leads her places she never dreamed she’d ever go and to a person she never knew she could be.

There’s plenty in this story to keep you engaged from start to finish. Chris and Cynthia make a delightful couple, fulfilling each other’s lives in a way they both really needed. It’s exciting to watch how Cynthia grows into the strong, confident woman she was meant to be. This is a delightful love story filled with a bit of drama, some sexy D/s play, and lots of steamy passion. The story is a fast-paced and very entertaining romance that you will find hard to put down.

[Sue Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-working and extended version of an original novella. This enjoyable follow-up to ‘A Little Harmless Sex’ is an enjoyable read and features Max’s (from the first book) ex-fiancee Cynthia & his best friend, Chris. Both books are stand-alone, and you do not have to have read the first book to enjoy this one. I loved the way that initially repressed ‘southern belle’ Cynthia slowly develops a backbone and rebels against her domineering father after receiving an inheritance from her grandmother. The initial scene where she drunkenly seduces Chris at her friends' wedding made me smile as she suddenly discovers a dominant side to her nature in the bedroom. Fast forward a few weeks and she decides to join gorgeous Chris in his home location of Hawaii taking up her inheritance of her grandmother's home there. An interesting story with aspects of BDSM for both the main characters in their developing relationship. If you like your romance clean and sweet, this is most definitely not the one for you!

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens the morning after a night of a little harmless pleasure

A Little Harmless Pleasure is the second book in The Original Harmless Five series. This version is the 20th Anniversary edition and has been updated with some additional scenes and material. I had not read the series when it was first published so I am getting a new experience with these earlier stories by Melissa Schroeder who I first came to read a few years ago. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, A Little Harmless Sex, and this book is another winner for me. The story is about Cynthia and Chris. We first met Cynthia in the first book and in this story we definitely get to see all the various sides of her and what turns out to be a complicated but very engaging journey to becoming who she really is. Chris is also complicated and is wary of any entanglements since his last relationship bombed. But when they meet the sparks fly and one night of a little harmless pleasure will soon become a lifetime.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynthia Myers is at a crossroads in her life. She dumped her family approved fiance and her father wants to disown her. She was raised conservatively and taught to do as she was told and speak softly. She defies her father to attend the wedding of her ex Max and Anna who she has become friends.

Chris Dupree is originally from New Orleans, is mixed race and from a middle class background. He owns a restaurant in Hawaii. He is best friend to Max. He has sworn off women after having a bad experience with his last submissive.

Cynthia and Chris hook up after she gets drunk at the wedding. A few months later she moves to Hawaii when she finds out she inherited her grandmother's entire estate which her parent's tried to steal from her. Chris starts showing her how to be a Domme and then a switch like him. They grow in their relationship and get their HEA.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in The Original Harmless Five featuring the steamy emotional romance between Chris and Cynthia. Cynthia dumped her fiance Max and her father disowned her. However she still attends Max's wedding and that's where she meets Chris Max's college roommate. They instantly click and this leads to a night that they'll never forget. However Chris is scarred and wary after after his last relationship went bad over a year ago he doesn't even think of dating. Until he meets Cynthia who he shows a whole new side of himself to and he gently helps her along on her transformative journey and he learned how to love again. You really need to read this steamy emotional romance to see what happens. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Little Harmless Pleasure was a sinfully delicious read by Melissa Schroeder. Cynthia defies her father's orders and is kicked out after going to the wedding of her ex fiancé. After a night of drinking at the reception, she meets Chris Dupree, Max's best friend. Chris is instantly attracted to the sassy southern belle. The chemistry between was off the charts hot. Cynthia thinks Chris is just the distraction she needs. But Chris is a switch which means he likes to be both submissive and dominant in the bedroom. This book was smoking hot that I simply couldn't get enough of. 5 stars.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in Melissa Schroeder's The Harmless Series, A Little Harmless Pleasure, is a well-written, engrossing romance that is also a beautiful story about our heroine's awakening in so many more ways than just sexual. Cynthia is a caged bird at the beginning of this novel, and Chris gives her all she needs to spread her wings and fly. The character growth in the book is awe-inspiring, while the love story between Chris and Cynthia is steamy, sensual and hot enough to melt your e-reader. A highly recommended read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynthia is attending her ex’s wedding to someone else and she is happy with the match. Chris doesn’t get it but he is incredibly attracted to her. Her relationship with her parents seems to be obedience to their desires and her wants don’t count. Chis is in the lifestyle but is being criticized because he likes dominance and submissiveness. Once they become intimate, he is elated when he discovers that she enjoys the switch of dominance. She finally comes into her own. Nicely written and very enjoyable read. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read from this series. And it was definitely steamy. Cynthia is breaking free from her parents and discovering who she is. She meets Chris at a wedding and she has a one night stand with him. Which is completely out of character for her. But Chris lives in Hawaii. Despite him going back to Hawaii they talk every day. Then Cynthia learns that her grandmother left her property in Hawaii. And she decides to move there for a couple of months to regroup and get her thoughts straight. And things with Chris pick up from there. This was a very steamy quick read. I usually don’t like third person books. But with this one I didn’t even notice.

[Vievie2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris and Cynthia had an undeniable chemistry from their first meeting and this turned into an amazing night together. With her life changing, Cynthia had hard decisions to make regarding her family and the relationship growing between herself and Chris, there is a chance to spend more time together. The passion between the two of them is explosive and it's wonderful how confident Cynthia gets with Chris' support. But Chris has a secret he needs to reveal. Great story line, well written and definitely worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Harmless series and it features Chris and Cynthia. Two ships lost at sea. Chris didn’t think he’d ever find someone compatible with himself. His lifestyle was a little unconventional. Along comes Cynthia and she has no idea what she wants, except to escape her controlling, judgmental family. Chris and Cynthia’s love is an emotional journey for them both but definitely worth it.

There’s a lot of wicked sexy bedroom scenes and a few scenes with her EXTREMELY irritating family, both will raise your heart rate. This is a fantastic story about a woman figuring out who she is without the pressure to be someone she’s not. Fabulous read!

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Chris and Cynthia’s story. It was nice to see how their relationship takes shape and the bond that grows between the two. Cynthia is a strong woman but has always lived to please other people. I loved seeing her grow into her own person and find what she has been missing all her life. She is smart and with someone to support her like Chris Cynthia can accomplish so much. Chris is a good man and he understands Cynthia like no other. The two make a wonderful couple and compliment one another so well. Their story moves at a good pace and is sweet and sexy in all the right ways.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Chris and Cynthia’s story. It was nice to see how their relationship takes shape and the bond that grows between the two. Cynthia is a strong woman but has always lived to please other people. I loved seeing her grow into her own person and find what she has been missing all her life. She is smart and with someone to support her like Chris Cynthia can accomplish so much. Chris is a good man and he understands Cynthia like no other. The two make a wonderful couple and compliment one another so well. Their story moves at a good pace and is sweet and sexy in all the right ways.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renecia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one had a bit more bite to it than the first in the series. I like it. It was interesting to Cynthia come into her own. At first, I wasn't sure I could believe that she was going to suddenly change from southern almost virgin to dominant in so short a time. But I got on board. I like Chris. I would like to have known more about his story. The narrator, while decent, was not as good to me as the woman that did the first book in the series. I'm happy to move on to the next one! They are really frisky and the story lines have a bit of depth, but nothing anxiety inducing. Nice and lite and that's just what I need right now. :)

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schroeder is a favorite, one click author and A Little Harmless Pleasure does not disappoint. It doesn't have the humor many of her books provide, but it definitely has the heat. Cynthia was raised to be the perfect southern wife, perfect in manners and comportment. When she realizes her family doesn't care about her, Chris steps in to help her realize her worth and lets her be her true self. I loved her journey to self discovery, Chris' patience with his own needs and his honesty about his own desires. Fantastic romance from beginning to end.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

For years Cynthia has done what her family has expected, and it has not made her happy. Now it's time to do what she wants, and have her chance at happiness. She meets Chris at her ex-fiancé Wedding, and the sparks fly, but is it doomed to just be a one-night stand? Or is it something more? I loved this scorching read, I loved both Chris and Cynthia (and how Anna has rubbed off a bit on Cynthia), I didn't like her father (he is a bit of a jerk).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Cynthia has a lot of growth in this book. Chris was a good guy that she connects with. Their story has some drama and conflict but mainly it is about their developing relationship. I did not understand some of the things that come about. There were things that could have been left out and it would not have hurt the storyline. Overall I liked the story but I did not feel a connection with the characters. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected love 5 stars. - Cynthia and Chris’ romance story was plotted very well. It is steamy as well as dreamy. It started as a wedding hookup then it became an exercise in self-discovery and trust. I didn’t read the first book in the series so I’m assuming Cynthia’s character really changed in this book. The steam is mostly MF but there is an MFM. Cynthia’s family provided most of the conflict and Cynthia handled it bravely. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily chose to review it.